Expanding Independent Living … Right at Home

Some people look into independent living because they feel they don’t really have other options, especially when safety is concerned. Seniors often face increased safety challenges as they get older and even when they deal with potentially serious health issues.

Senior Home Safety in Allentown PA: Aging in Place

More seniors today, though, prefer to ‘age in place.’

This essentially means remaining at home, even if they ultimately have extreme difficulty getting around. If a person cannot take proper care of themselves in a safe and healthy environment, they might have a spouse, adult children, or others willing to provide assistance, but eventually many conversations will lead to other living options.

Today, seniors can enjoy the benefits of home care services.

Not only can hiring a home care aide provide the physical support an elderly person needs to stay safe, there are a number of modifications that can be beneficial as well. Below are just a few safety improvements that could help an elderly person live more independently, comfortably, and safely within their own home.

Consider installing grab bars.

Grab bars are most commonly used in the tub or shower surround. They are anchored into the wall studs, meaning they can hold the weight of a full grown, healthy adult. When grab bars are not installed properly (the result of a do-it-yourself family member who thought he or she could do the job well, for example), they could actually increase the risk of serious injury in the event of a slip and fall.

Grab bars can also be installed around the toilet to help an aging person ease down onto and get back up from it.

Improving lighting always helps.

As the nights are getting longer -as it’s getting darker earlier- lighting becomes even more important for seniors and others. Adding more lamps, making sure bulbs are replaced when they go out, and making it easier for the senior to turn on those lights (even to the extent of using timers) can help with disability and, subsequently, safety.

Relying on proper support.

A home care aide is the best option to consider, but many seniors turn to their spouse, adult children, friends, and neighbors. With the right support, these elderly men and women would be able to avoid doing things that could be potentially harmful or dangerous that may have once been easy to do.

Removing clutter is also a good idea.

The longer people live in the same place, the more likely clutter builds up around them. This clutter can lead to boxes in the hall, too many items crowding bedrooms and living rooms, and even making kitchens a nightmare in which to work.

Decluttering a house can take time and it may be met with resistance, but when seniors understand their safety is compromised because of this clutter, they might be more open to going through and getting rid of some of these things.

If your aging loved one is in need of Hospice Care in Allentown, PA please contact the caring staff at Serenity Hospice. Call today!(215) 867-5405

Michael Drew LNHA is the administrator of Serenity Hospice PA, servicing the greater Bensalem and Philadelphia areas. In this capacity, he leads and inspires the company’s mission of providing quality and compassionate end-of-life care and supportive services for patients and their families, and to enhance their quality of life. Michael’s hallmark is his genuine concern for patients and his dedication to meeting their needs.

A veteran of providing quality healthcare, Michael has served with distinction in a variety of leadership capacities for nearly two decades, notably as administrator for several Skilled Nursing Facilities in New Jersey. Known as an innovative and solution-oriented individual, Michael has his finger on the pulse on new trends and concepts in providing quality care.

Many Senior In-Home Care services and products are not covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or public assistance. Most individuals and families often need to pay "out-of-pocket" for some or all services requested. Are there other sources of financing available to you, such as Social Security benefits, VA benefits, or Private Funds?*